Combine the warmth of a holiday culinary classic with the magic of Winterthur’s Enchanted Woods, and what do you get? A breathtaking 4-by-8-foot replica of the whimsical three-acre children’s garden, meticulously crafted from gingerbread. This 147-pound masterpiece, a highlight of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library’s Yuletide celebration, transports visitors into a fairyland of delight, through January 7, 2024.
The Culinary Artistry
For weeks, the skilled hands of eight artisans from Bredenbeck’s Bakery in Philadelphia have toiled to create this edible marvel. A follow-up to last year’s impressive gingerbread rendition of the 175-room mansion at Winterthur, this year’s sculpture has been a labor of love for Bredenbeck’s head sugar artist Diana Anello and bakery co-owners Jacob Boyd and Irvin Boyd.
Diana’s Dedication
Diana alone poured over 100 hours into designing and assembling this edible wonder. Her passion is evident as she shared, “I wake up thinking about it. I dream about it.” This sentiment extends to the entire team, whose collective effort involved not only baking and constructing but also infusing the project with dedication and creativity.
Enchanted Inspiration
Drawing inspiration from Enchanted Woods, Diana’s journey began in July when she first visited the children’s garden to envision the gingerbread gem. “There were so many kids here enjoying it,” Diana said of Enchanted Woods. “It was a real magical fairyland experience.” Recalling the atmosphere filled with joyous children, Diana’s eyes sparkled as she helped deliver the finished product to the museum recently. This year’s sculpture includes a functioning water element, illuminated structures, five hidden fairies, and 44 snowflakes adding to the enchantment.
The Legend of Enchanted Woods
Enchanted Woods, designed to appear as though crafted by fairies, weaves its own tale, free of references to popular children’s stories, which makes the garden feel timeless, a blank slate that children can paint with the full power of their imaginations. Its creation myth speaks of the fairies and sprites—missing the laughter of children who once played there—gathering artifacts from the Winterthur estate to build a spellbinding haven.
Gingerbread Adventure
A feast for the eyes and a treat for the imagination, each element of Enchanted Woods comes to life in gingerbread form. Wander among the enticing Story Stones, cross the Troll Bridge, say hi to Harvey the frog at Water’s Edge, navigate the intricate Fairy Flower Labyrinth, follow the S-s-serpentine Path, visit the delightful Faerie Cottage, explore Frog Hollow, enter the Tulip Tree House, have a party at the Acorn Tearoom, jump into the Bird’s Nest, and discover the secrets of the Green Man’s Lair.
Recently, the Atlas Obscura podcast devoted an episode to Enchanted Woods. During that 11-minute segment, you can hear the history of the spellbinding children’s garden from Winterthur’s director, Chris Strand.
Beyond the Gingerbread Wonderland
The enchantment doesn’t end with the gingerbread sculpture. Winterthur’s Yuletide celebration is inspired by the current Ann Lowe: American Couturier exhibition, featuring custom fashion by Delaware designers Shawn Baron Pinckney and Asata Maisé Beeks, whose creations reflect the history of Winterthur and the design sensibilities of Lowe and Winterthur founder Henry Francis du Pont. The Yuletide Tour showcases Winterthur’s signature traditions, including the Dried-Flower Tree, and new displays such as Christmas trees inspired by Ann Lowe gowns, and a spectacularly set Christmas dinner table.
Holiday Extravaganza
As part of the Yuletide experience, the Museum Store beckons with daily holiday shopping, offering unique home décor, gifts, jewelry, and more that celebrate Winterthur’s beauty both indoors and out.
This holiday season, the fashion artistry, the festive décor, and the gingerbread masterpiece depicting Enchanted Woods invite visitors to step into a world of imagination and wonder, making this Yuletide celebration truly extraordinary.